SAFE LIFTING & MATERIAL HANDLING

Bureau of Workers Comp PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS)

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What well talk about

Material handling tips

Proper lifting Considerations Tips for safe lifting Exercises for work and home
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Material Handling Tips

Check the object before you attempt to lift it. Test every load before lifting = pushing object lightly with hands or feet to see how easily it moves (good indication as to how heavy it is). Remember, a small size does not always mean a light load!
Make sure the load you are lifting is packed correctly. Employees packing boxes should make sure weight is balanced and packed so it wont move around. Loose pieces inside a box can cause accidents if the box becomes unbalanced.
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More Tips
Make sure the load is easy to reach. Dont arch your back when lifting a load above your head. Use a ladder instead of lifting something above your head. Heres the best way to pick up an object: Use slow and smooth movements (hurried, jerky movements can strain the muscles in your back). Keep your body facing the object while you lift it (twisting while lifting can injure your back).
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Test the Load!

Always test the load before lifting to ensure its not too heavy for you to lift and carry by yourself!
If you determine the load is too heavy, get assistance (either other people or by using an appropriate mechanical aid).
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Planning Ahead

Before moving a load, plan both the load and the route (allows you to evaluate hazards, limitations, route safety and final placement). Evaluate the weight and shape of the load in addition to what the material is made of. Some items to check:
Is PPE or other safety gear necessary? Size/shape/weight within your limits? Can you get a firm hand hold? Will you be able to see over the load? Will you need assistance (people, cart, forklift)?
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Back Injury Prevention: Plan your Lift

Think about the weight, size, and shape of the object and the distance you will be moving it. Is the object bulky? Will you need help? Do you see any hazards that can be eliminated? Think about the route youll be taking: any stairs, doors, obstacles? If the object is heavy or awkward, use a hand cart or pallet jack.
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Planning Ahead the Route

Check the route you will take and the place you will put the load down. Injuries and property damage can occur when unexpected problems happen during the move. Considerations for the route: - Are there steps, tripping hazards, closed doors, tight doorways or passageways? - Are there blind corners or wet/slippery floors? - What is the traffic situation (people, vehicles, etc.)?
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Planning Ahead the Drop Off Point

Some considerations: Where will you place the load? Is there room for the load? Is the site strong enough to hold the load? Will the load block traffic or create a hazard when placed? Will the load have to be placed elsewhere or will it be in the right location after you set it down?
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Lowering the Object

When lowering an object remember to bend at the knees not at the waist and avoiding twisting motions while putting the load down. (the
picture shown demonstrates how NOT to put an object down!).

If you must turn while lowering an object, adjust your feet rather than twisting your back.
Not the correct way to lower a box!
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Lifting Properly Step One

Stand close to the load with your feet spread about shoulder width apart. One foot slightly in front of the other for balance.

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Lifting Properly Step Two

Squat down, bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.

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Lifting Properly Step Three

Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.

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Lifting Properly Step Four

Begin slowly, lifting with your LEGS by straightening them. Never twist your body during this step!

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Lifting Properly Step Five

Once lift is complete, keep object as close to your body as possible. As the load's center of gravity moves away from the body, there is a dramatic increase in stress to the lumbar region of the back.

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Other Considerations

Team Lifting When more than one person may be required to lift a load, consider having a team of folks and have one person call the directions and lifting steps so everyone will move at the same pace. Stacking Overlap and interlock rows and never stack above the crush height or above the height limits for the facility in which youre working. Make certain the base is clean and level and can support the weight.
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Other Considerations

Drums Use a lift truck with drum forks or a drum dolly to move, even a short distance. If moving individual, empty drums, roll on the side not the rim and always work on the down side of the drum with the hands on the belly of the drum not the rim.

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Considerations
Cylinders: Compressed gas cylinders are like bombs with very short fuses! Valves must be protected by a proper safety cap. Use a special hand truck to move individual cylinders, and walk them only short distances to align them. Cylinders must be stored in designated areas and secured with safety chains or bars.
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Considerations

Mechanical Aids Often the best way to move loads is with a mechanical aid, like a hand truck or rolling cart. Choose the right aid for the job and inspect it before use. Place the heaviest items on the bottom, with the weight concentrated between the wheels. Keep your hands away from the edges so they wont be scraped or crushed in doorways.
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Tips for Safe Lifting

Plan the lift.

Remove anything in your way. Pushing is easier than pulling. Pulling is easier than carrying. Get help for heavy/bulky loads.
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More Tips for Safe Lifting

Warm up your muscles with stretches. Test the weight of the load first. Face the direction you need to move.

Hold the load close to your body.

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More Tips

Lift with your back as straight as comfortable.

Keep the load between shoulder and knee height. Change your position. Stretch to relax and rest tired muscles.

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and More Tips

Plan where to set the load.

Rest more often when it is hot/humid. Take more time to warm up your muscles in the cold.

Take more breaks if using tools/equipment that vibrate.

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Any Problems?

Too many books weight could injure shoulders and/or back

Drop off surface not big enough

Position/posture could injure neck, back, arms, shoulders

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Exercises you can do at work

Be safe - check with your doctor before attempting any of these exercises!

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Strengthening Exercise

Wall Slides to strengthen your muscles . . . .

Stand with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down into a crouch, with knees bent to 90 degrees.

Count to five and slide back up the wall.

Repeat five times.
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Stretching Exercises

Gastroc Stretch Lean against a wall or other stationary object, both palms against the object. Leg you want to stretch is back, several feet from wall, heel firmly positioned on the floor. Other leg is flexed about halfway between back leg and wall. Start with your back straight and gradually lunge forward until you feel the stretch in your calf. Very important to keep back foot straight and angled 90 degrees from wall.
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More Stretches

Stretches for side of neck: Sit or stand with arms hanging loosely at sides Turn head to one side, then the other Hold for five seconds, each side Repeat one to three times

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and More Stretches

Stretches for side of shoulder and back of upper arm Stand or sit and place right hand on left shoulder With left hand, pull right elbow across chest toward left shoulder and hold 10 to 15 seconds Repeat on other side
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and Finally!
Stretches for triceps, top of shoulders, waist Keep knees slightly flexed Stand or sit with arms overhead Hold elbow with hand of opposite arm Pull elbow behind head gently as you slowly lean to side until mild stretch is felt Hold 10 to 15 seconds Repeat on other side
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Exercises you can do at home

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Stretching Exercises

Hip/Glute Stretch - Cross left foot over right knee. - Clasp hands behind right thigh and gently pull the leg in towards you, keeping upper body relaxed. - Switch Legs

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More Stretching Exercises

Hamstring Stretch Lie on floor with knees bent. Straighten one leg and slowly pull it towards you, clasping the thigh, calf or ankle. Keep knee slightly bent. Switch legs.

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Bottom Line

If the load you are trying to manually lift is too heavy for you to handle, get help from coworkers or a mechanical aid dont risk getting injured!

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Questions

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